I've been asked what the Rose symbolizes to me Jill

[jill stockinger]

I took the red rose to be a symbol of what society has expected of a woman, the symbol of those expectations:

  Red rose: 

All that society says women should be.

Be sexy but demure. Attract men, but don't act TOO bold.

Dress like society expects you to dress. Act like society expects you to act.

Wear cosmetics and perfume and use all the enhancements society says to use, to make yourself more attractive to men.

Always put "your man" ahead of yourself.  Never contradict him! Do as he tells you.

Don't work; stay in the house and take care of the family.

Love for your husband and children should be your highest goal in life. Above all, please your husband.

DO have your (at least) 2 children. One SHOULD be a boy. Keep having babies or get fertility treatments, to give your husband that "boy" he deserves.

All of society's BULLSHIT EXPECTATIONS on how a woman should be, in our society!

That's what the RED ROSE symbolizes to me!

So the Rose coughs, PRETENDING to be Ever-so Ladylike!

When she Really isn't! Instead, she's demanding, strict, strong, angry, etc.! INSISTING on Conformity, on  Rigid, Strict Rules of Behavior and Dress. AWFUL!

Jill!